Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 71 — page 109: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION apparently, didn’t like the late Mr. Mayhew one little bit.” “Impossible!””» Hammond was shocked. “‘Carl was one of the most popular members of the staff. Who could have done such a thing?” “That,” said Mark quietly, “tis what I intend to find out.” He stared at Sam and John. “lve already made certain inquiries. I know that the clothing he was found in came from this hospital; it matches that worn by your patients. I know that he was very intimate with Evans and Conway, and they were in the habit of working to- gether at all hours. Conway has a car. The night porter here reports that he saw two men carrying a bundle enter a car and drive off at the critical time. When he checked he found that Conway’s car was missing. He looked for Conway but couldn’t find him, and next morning the car was back in its usual place. So the porter forgot about it until I questioned him.”’ He looked at Sam, his face expressionless. ““Ready to talk?” “TI have nothing to say.” “And you?” Mark stared at John. “Did you quarrel with Mayhew? Did you hate him so much that you took him and tortured him to death?” Mark took the autopsy report from his pocket and began to read aloud. “Burning on the inside of mouth and throat. Hot water, Evans? Did you ram a funnel into his mouth and empty a boiling kettle into it?” He glanced again at the report. “Multiple contusions and in- ternal injuries. Did you kick him, Evans? Jump on him while he was lying bound and helpless? Did you. . .” It was pure psychology, the playing of a man’s weakness against himself. And, listening to the even, coldly clinical voice, Sam had to admit that the captain knew what he was doing. He seemed to have a peculiar imagination when it came to pain. He dwelt on every detail, lingering on just 108 comiclsooks.com